cyclopentolate ophthalmic

Uses

This medication is used before eye examinations (e.g., refraction exams). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Cyclopentolate works by temporarily widening (dilating) the pupil of the eye and relaxing the muscles of the eye.

How to use cyclopentolate ophthalmic

This medication is usually applied in the eye 40 to 50 minutes before the procedure or as directed by your doctor. The dose may need to be repeated in 5 to 10 minutes. This medication is for use in the eye only. Do not take by mouth or inject.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Ask your doctor when you can start wearing them again. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), ask your doctor when you should start using them again.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye and reduce side effects. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop or for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use.

If you are using this medicine in a child's eye(s), do not get any medicine in the child's mouth. Wash your hands and your child's hands after use to remove any medicine from them.

This medication may temporarily change digestion in infants. Do not feed an infant for 4 hours after the infant's eye exam.

This medication starts to work in minutes, and its effect usually lasts 24 hours or sometimes longer. Tell your doctor if you continue to have blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or dilated pupils several days after your exam.

Side Effects

Burning/stinging/redness of the eye, eye irritation, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night), slow/shallow breathing, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.

Precautions

Before using cyclopentolate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to belladonna alkaloids (e.g., atropine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Protect your eyes in bright light. Use dark sunglasses when outdoors.

Caution is advised when using this drug in infants or small children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes. If using this medication in an infant, watch the infant closely for 30 minutes after the medication is applied.

Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to side effects of this drug, especially increased pressure in the eye.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: flushed/dry skin, blurred vision, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations), loss of coordination.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store between 46-80 degrees F (8-27 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised January 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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